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PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY
Shenougha Hardisty's job might not always be glamorous, but the 16-year-old knows it's important.

Wrigley's Shenougha Hardisty, 16, is working as a labourer through the Wrigley band office for the summer. - photo courtesy of Shenougha Hardisty

Hardisty, one of nine summer students employed as labourers by the Wrigley band office to help keep the town running, said she has been doing everything from cutting grass to helping sewage truck operators.

"You have to wear a mask and make sure you have it on and make sure you don't get the sewage stuck on you," she said.

Hardisty, who worked for the band office last year as well, said while some of the duties might not look pretty, they're vital parts of the community's daily operations.

Keeping the community clean is essential for both residents and visitors, she added.

"It's just to help out the community and make sure to keep it clean so our visitors from out of town can see how clean the community is," she said.

Hardisty said she also helps show visitors from other communities and tourists travelling on the Mackenzie River the attractions in and around Wrigley, including the community's former location before it was moved in 1965. The community relocated to be closer to an airstrip built by the United States military during the Canol Project, according to the NWT Bureau of Statistics.

Hardisty said taking visitors to see the old community is one of her favourite parts of the job. Another highlight is helping to maintain the town's cemetery.

"We're cutting grass around the crypt areas to make they look nice and the drive through area and all around," she said. "We're cutting down trees where trees have been growing into the crypts."

Hardisty said she enjoys making sure families visiting the cemetery know there are people taking care of the place their relatives are buried.

"When the families come to visit, they like to see their crypts are nicely clean and the grass is freshly cut," she said.

This summer's weather has been favourable for those working outside, Hardisty said.

"It's been good and really nice out and sunny," she said. "It's been good for our job."

While she likes spending her summer working for the band office, Hardisty said she's looking forward to getting back to school in the fall.

"I want to see old friends and get into schoolwork," she said.

Hardisty said her two favourite subjects are art and math. She said she is thinking of becoming a social service worker, but isn't yet sure what college or university to attend.

For now, Hardisty said she is happy to spend her days with her coworkers helping to keep Wrigley at its best.

"I mostly like associating with the staff and workers and doing our job," she said.

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